Minnesota bishop with stage 4 lung cancer told the pope. Days later, he learned Leo has it too.
A Minnesota bishop with stage 4 lung cancer says he told the pope about his diagnosis during a visit to Rome. A few days later, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV has lung cancer, too.
"It was a shock, I mean I almost fell over," Bishop Kevin Kenney of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said of hearing the pope's news. "It was just surreal."
Kenney said he greeted the pope, thanked him for his ministry and introduced himself. "I just want to alert you that I was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer back in July," Kenney recalled telling him. Leo told Kenney he would pray for him and that everything would work out.
Kenney said the cancer was found after he developed a cough and a cold in early 2026. The cold symptoms went away, but the cough lingered for months, so he had it checked. The results showed stage 4 lung cancer.
"Cancer is a word that you don't want to hear," Kenney said, but he accepted the diagnosis "with God's grace." He said he stayed positive and never really felt upset, believing the outcome would be good, whatever that turns out to be.
Kenney said he worried about his friends and family and wasn't sure how to break the news to them. He decided to release a video through the archdiocese, and prayers poured in immediately. He said he was surprised by how quickly the video went viral.
"The support of people has been incredible," Kenney said.
Kenney said he now finds comfort in knowing he isn't alone. "I just thought what a blessing it was that I can journey with him in that way," he said. "He gave me a blessing, now I can continue to pray and ask everyone to pray for him as well."
The Vatican has not said what stage the pope's cancer is, according to prior CBS News reporting. Leo had the lower lobe of his right lung removed in surgery this month.
Kenney said the diagnosis "really has made me more aware that each day is a gift." He said he doesn't know what the experience will be, but he expects it to continue to bring joy and peace and, he hopes, help others in their lives.
